Predictability and oral health in clear aligner therapy for mixed dentition

a 12-month prospective study

Abstract

Objective:This prospective clinical study evaluated the predictability of dental movement and oral health outcomes in children with mixed dentition treated with clear aligners. Methods: Orthodontic treatment was delivered using ClearCorrect® aligners. Standardized clinical documentation was obtained at pre-treatment (T1) and immediately post treatment (T2). Digital models were used to measure changes in arch perimeter, transverse dental movement at the cusp and gingival levels of the intercanine, first and second primary molars, and first permanent molars, as well as changes in dental spacing. Oral hygiene was assessed using the Simplified Visual Plaque Index and Modified Sulcus Bleeding Index. Root development was evaluated by crown-to-root ratio (C/R) and Nolla stages. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize outcomes. Results: Twenty children (7 Female, 13 Male; mean age, 8.5 ± 1.0 years) completed treatment with excellent compliance. The mean treatment duration was 9.6 ± 2.0 months. Predictability of arch perimeter increase was 32% in the upper arch and 58% in the lower arch. Transverse expansion predictability ranged from 42–54% at the gingival level and 51 65% at the cusp level, in the upper arch, and 42–58% and 46–95%, respectively, in the lower arch. Significant reductions in anterior crowding and midline diastemas were observed. Periodontal health remained stable, and root development progressed normally. Conclusion: ClearCorrect® aligners demonstrated clinically acceptable predictability of dental expansion in children with mixed dentition, achieving improvements in anterior crowding and midline diastemas, while also maintaining stable oral health status, and without compromising physiological root development.